Los Alamos Daily Digest Friday, July 17, 2026
Ty's Take
The news out of LANL Foundation and the county health council this week points to something this town knows but doesn't always say out loud: we're good at the big problems—the physics, the engineering, the infrastructure—but the harder work happens in the small rooms where teachers learn to teach better, where kids figure out whether they belong here, and where somebody finally decides to talk straight about why our neighbors are dying. A four-way stop at Urban and North Road doesn't sound like much until you've got teenagers driving that intersection, and a study on teacher professional development doesn't make headlines until you realize your county's future depends on keeping good people here and giving their kids a reason to stay. The chromium plume we inherited from sixty years ago won't clean itself, the plastic bags won't stop using themselves, and blood drives don't win themselves—somebody has to show up. That's the real work this week.
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Los Alamos Daily Post
A new statewide study led by the LANL Foundation reveals how New Mexico can better support teachers through professional learning opportunities. The comprehensive analysis drew input from over 2,000 educators across the state and aims to strengthen the teaching profession.
Los Alamos Teen Center To Host Open House Preview Event For Incoming Eighth Graders Friday
The Los Alamos Teen Center is inviting incoming eighth graders and their families to a free preview event Friday, July 17, from 3-5 p.m. Visitors can tour the facility, meet staff, and learn about activities available to members.
McQuiston: Your Kid Is Taking A Car To College … What To Sort Out Before Move-In Day
Parents sending a child to college with a car need to handle important details before move-in day, including insurance and vehicle preparation. Local insurance agent Allen McQuiston offers guidance on what families should sort out beforehand.
New Mexico Patients Win ‘26 Blood Drive Competition Between Los Alamos, Sandia National Labs
Los Alamos National Laboratory won this year's blood drive competition against Sandia National Labs, collecting 605 units that will help more than 1,800 New Mexico patients. The friendly rivalry between the two labs generated significant community benefit after LANL's previous two-year losing...
Luján, Merkley, Massie, Khanna, Leger Fernández Introduce Epstein Files Transparency Act II
U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján and colleagues introduced new legislation to strengthen transparency regarding the Epstein Files. The Epstein Files Transparency Act II allows state attorneys general, victims, and members of Congress to challenge the Department of Justice over disclosure requirements.
Grand Canyon Drive Slurry Seal Project Begins July 20
Los Alamos County Public Works will begin a slurry seal project on Grand Canyon Drive starting July 27, weather permitting. The cost-effective treatment will extend across the full length of the road to help preserve the asphalt and extend its lifespan.
Catch Of The Week: The Friendly Face That Wants Your Bank Password
Scammers are using FaceTime video calls to impersonate banks and trick people into revealing passwords and financial information. Both Apple and the Federal Trade Commission have warned consumers that the face-to-face nature of these fraudulent calls makes them particularly convincing.
Los Alamos County Council Hears Efforts To Mitigate Chromium Plume
Environmental Management-Los Alamos officials briefed the county council on ongoing efforts to address the hexavalent chromium plume. Field work includes drilling new monitoring wells to better understand and mitigate the contamination.
Hampton: Boukas To Speak On Suicide And Overdoses At August Health Council Meeting
The Los Alamos County Health Council is hosting a special meeting August 6 featuring Nick Boukas, director of behavioral health services for the New Mexico Health Care Authority. Boukas will discuss suicide prevention, drug overdoses, and mental health crises affecting the community.
Citizen Efforts Pay Off With Newly Installed Four-Way Stop At Urban Street And North Road
Citizen efforts, spurred by a 2024 pedestrian fatality, have resulted in a four-way stop installation at Urban Street and North Road. The safety improvement followed advocacy by local Girl Scouts working to prevent similar tragedies.
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Los Alamos Reporter
LTE: Voice Your Opposition To Automated License Plate Readers To Los Alamos County Council
A resident has called on the Los Alamos County Council to reconsider its approval of automated license plate readers and speed cameras. The letter expresses concerns that the surveillance technology, including Flock cameras already installed countywide, moves the community toward normalized...
Los Alamos National Laboratory won the 2026 blood drive competition against Sandia National Labs with 605 units collected. The donations will help over 1,800 New Mexico patients and mark LANL's return to victory after two consecutive years of losses.
A White Rock resident is hosting a yard sale July 17-19 featuring women's clothing, shoes, household goods, and collectibles. The sale runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. all three days at 234 Rio Bravo Drive.
LANL Deputy Director For Operations Mark Davis Is Guest Speaker For July 21 MOWW Meeting
Los Alamos National Laboratory Deputy Director Mark Davis will speak at the Military Order of World Wars meeting July 21. Davis will provide an update on the Laboratory's operations in the context of current geopolitical challenges.
TOTH To Host Summer Yard Sale July 24 & 25
Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church is hosting its first-ever Summer Yard Sale July 24-25 from 8 a.m. to noon. The event will feature vintage items and offer a chance for neighbors to reconnect.
Urology From A-Z: LAMC Offers Free Community Seminar Monday, July 20 At SALA Event Center
Los Alamos Medical Center is offering a free community seminar on urology Monday, July 20 at SALA Event Center. Physicians will discuss common urological conditions and treatment options at 6 p.m.
Teen Center Presents Incoming 8th Grade Preview Event Friday, July 17
The Los Alamos Teen Center is hosting a preview event for incoming eighth graders and their families Friday, July 17 from 3-5 p.m. The free event allows families to tour the facility and learn about membership activities.
CHRISTUS Health Announces Details Of Planned Community Hospital In Los Alamos
CHRISTUS Health will break ground July 23 on a new state-of-the-art community hospital in Los Alamos. The facility will increase local access to high-quality healthcare and represents a major investment in the area.
The Los Alamos County Environmental Sustainability Board is reviewing a proposed single-use plastic bag ordinance this week before recommending it to the county council on August 4. The working group has developed the ordinance to reduce plastic waste in the community.
Obituary: Donald H. Janney Nov. 26, 1931 – Nov. 15, 2025
Donald H. Janney, a longtime Los Alamos resident, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025, at age 93. He had a long and accomplished life in the community.
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